Archive for category: Volunteer Spotlight

After retiring in 2009, Kathy discovered FROM through a church bulletin and began volunteering as a cashier in 2010. What started as one day a week quickly grew into something more. From stocking shelves to serving as thrift store coordinator, Kathy found a place where her time and talents truly mattered.

Even after stepping away, she felt called back. Something was missing, and she knew it was the people and the purpose.

To Kathy, FROM is rooted in dignity and community. She sees it every day in the way neighbors are welcomed and supported, no matter their circumstances. Over the years, she has built lasting friendships with fellow volunteers and customers alike, greeting familiar faces and first-time visitors with the same care.

Her perspective deepened during COVID-19, when the store closed, but the need did not. Watching the team come together to provide food for the community reminded her just how important this work is.

Kathy continues to volunteer simply because it matters. For the people, the friendships, and the shared mission of caring for our neighbors.

She knows there is a place for everyone at FROM, and that even a small step to serve can make a meaningful difference.

Sometimes the path to volunteering starts with something simple. For
Susan, it began with a love of treasure hunting at Treasures Thrift Store.
After filling out a volunteer form, she learned the greatest need at the time
was in the food pantry. January 2025 marked the start of her Tuesdays with
FROM, perfectly timed with her recent retirement from education and a
desire to use her time in a meaningful way.

The FROM value that stands out most to Susan is Welcome. Each week,
creating an organized and inviting food pantry is more than a task; it is an
act of care. Service, helping others, and problem-solving have always been
her passions, and the food pantry offers all three. Along the way, something
unexpected happened…gratitude flowed both ways. Thank yous, shared
stories, small tokens, and even recipe ideas from neighbors became
moments of connection that continue to inspire her.

Through volunteering, Susan has seen the depth and strength of the
programs serving the Lowell community and reflected on how powerful it is
when neighbors have access to support and resources. What keeps her
coming back is the people. A Tuesday food pantry team that works well
together, celebrates their impact, and shows up for one another. What
began as an individual act of service has grown into belonging.
Susan’s message for anyone considering volunteering or giving is simple.

“Go for it. There are so many ways to get involved, and there is a right
fit waiting for you.”

Many volunteers come to FROM through a friend, and for Amy Bell, that friend was former board member Annie Link. Annie’s passion for the mission inspired Amy to start as a cashier in Treasures Thrift Store, a role she immediately enjoyed. From there, her involvement grew. In 2020, she helped lead the Christmas Toy Room during the height of the pandemic and has continued each year. She has supported backpack distribution, the mobile food pantry, and joined the Board of Directors in 2021.

Amy says Community is the FROM value that stands out to her the most. She loves how people feel connected when they serve here and how the organization has become a trusted part of the Lowell area. Watching neighbors work together on major projects, like the affordable housing initiative, reminds Amy of the power of shared purpose.

Amy Bell doing some heavy lifting at our Mobile Pantry

Her favorite memories come from the relationships she has built. Working in the medical field, she often meets people she first connected with at FROM events. Seeing kids from backpack distribution or families from Christmas programs out in the community fills her with joy. She also treasures the way her church has rallied to support FROM, creating a sense of togetherness she finds really special.

Amy’s advice for anyone thinking about giving or volunteering is simple. Do it. Time spent serving others always matters. It feels good to be part of something that makes a lasting difference.

In her words, come join us.

Val David has been a devoted volunteer at FROM for over a decade, going way back to when FROM was on Main Street. In 2015, her husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer. She used FROM’s medical equipment loan program to help care for him while continuing to volunteer. When her husband tragically passed from cancer in 2017, Val’s commitment to serving others never wavered. She used her grief as fuel to serve.

Years later, Val received her own terminal cancer diagnosis. Many would choose to step back, but she persists, bringing her unique spark and dedication to Treasures Thrift Store in areas like Christmas items, media, and games. Every day, she shows up despite her illness, embodying resilience and generosity.

Val inspires those around her, including her children, whom she brought to volunteer in the food pantry with her to learn compassion firsthand. She says bearing witness to service made quite an impact on her children’s lives. When asked what advice she would give someone considering volunteering, she says, “Like the Nike ad: Just do it. When you see the families we help and lives changing because someone cared, that is why I keep going. That is my reason for being here.”

She is a beautiful example that even when life is uncertain, strength, community, and kindness can fill up our spirit and carry us forward.

Jenny caught the “thrifting bug” when her kids were little. At first, she shopped just for children’s items, but soon she began looking for treasures for herself as well.

Now that she’s approaching an “empty nest,” Jenny started looking for more ways to give back. Having shopped at the FROM Thrift Store for years, volunteering there felt like a natural fit. She loves how FROM supports adults in a dignified and meaningful way.

In the summer of 2024, Jenny began running the cash register on Friday afternoons at the FROM Thrift Store. Still working full time as a math teacher, she appreciates the flexible schedule volunteering offers. “I can sign up week to week as I’m available,” Jenny says. “By Friday, I’m tired—physically and mentally—teaching takes a lot! I’m always amazed when I arrive [at the thrift store] because it’s energizing. That’s been a nice surprise!”

Jenny encourages anyone considering volunteering to give it a try. She finds it rewarding to know her time makes a difference. “In hindsight, I wish I would’ve started a couple summers ago,” she admits. “Even a little bit is worthwhile.”